Vienna Secession, Vienna

The Vienna Secession, a building that is as much a piece of art as the works it houses within, stands as one of Vienna's most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1897 by architect Joseph Maria Olbrich, this museum is a testament to the revolutionary spirit of the Secessionist movement, which sought to break away from the traditional academic art of the time.

The structure itself is a marvel of the Jugendstil, the German name for Art Nouveau, characterized by its ornate facades, geometric shapes, and the use of novel materials and techniques. Its most striking feature is the golden dome, known as "the golden cabbage" by locals, which crowns the building with an intricate pattern of laurel leaves, symbolizing the Secessionists' motto: "To every age its art, to every art its freedom."

The Vienna Secession was originally built as an exhibition hall for contemporary artists, and it continues to fulfill this role over a century later. It serves as a showcase for both Austrian and international artists and is best known for being the home of Gustav Klimt's most famous painting, "The Beethoven Frieze," a monumental work that pays homage to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

Today, the Vienna Secession still operates as a gallery, with a rotating schedule of exhibitions that feature modern and contemporary art. The museum is a pilgrimage site for art lovers and a cornerstone for understanding the evolution of art in the 20th century.